The job of the nanny – someone who is hired full-time for childcare duties – has traditionally been dominated by women. But recent statistics from the UK's largest childcare website, Childcare.co.uk, suggest that more men are entering the world of childcare than ever before.

The number of men becoming 'mannies' (male nannies) has more than doubled, rising from 1.45% in 2009 to 3.08% in 2016. This means that as you embark on your search for a nanny, you might face more male applicants than first expected. But does that matter? The only difference between a nanny and a manny is gender, and some childcare experts believe that male carers are actually more suited to some families than their female counterparts. So, should you consider hiring a manny?

A changing environment

Jo Wiltshire, author (The Potty Training Bible, The Baby Sleep Bible and Sneaky Parenting) and parenting expert says that our changing perceptions are helping to break down stereotypes, making men feel more comfortable about entering into a role in childcare.

"Our perceptions about men in what was seen once as a female profession is changing – thankfully men and women can do a range of roles now! I think some men are also going into the profession as a 'second career' after having children. In many families now women are the breadwinner / earn more, so it makes sense for them to go back to work whilst the man stays at home with the kids. Childminding is a viable career option for men to fit around their own kids."

With this in mind, hiring a male nanny can benefit children in ways that reach beyond just caregiving by breaking down entrenched gender biases.

"Children get to see both men and women in a caring role; it gives them perspective. Men are equally loving and as capable as women, so hiring a manny helps to breakdown the stereotype. Also some mothers feel a manny is less intrusive, less of a threat to them. Ideally, children will bond with a caregiver, and sometimes mothers feel uncomfortable if that bond is with another woman in their home. Not everyone feels that way - but if it is the case, a manny could be an ideal solution."

A male role model

Childcare.co.uk founder Richard Conway says: "Our research shows some single mums are turning to the 'manny' because they offer their child a male role model and father figure." But Jo says that having a male role model is important for both girls and boys regardless of whether they are part of a single parent family or not.

"It's not just single mums who need a manny to provide their kids with a good male role model; many families with two parents also see the benefit of an extra trusted male figure in their children's lives. The child gets the opportunity to form a big brother type of relationship with their caregiver – someone they look up to and feel protected by."

Nige's story

A childminder for six years part-time and two years full time, Nige – a classically trained chef – was previously working in hotels and restaurants. At the end of his career he started working as a chef at a children's nursery and a school due to family circumstances, as he was looking after his two boys and needed to be available to them in the holidays.

Nige met his partner, Sarah – a full-time childminder – and started assisting her by cooking meals and doing DIY jobs. During the school holidays he would take some of the children on outings and grew to love childminding more than chefing. Nige says:

"Nowadays, there is generally more acceptance of men as capable of caring for little ones. Nurseries are actively recruiting men and many more childminder assistants are male (husbands or partners working with wives). We are seeing more questions on groups asking about husbands who have lost their jobs registering to work with their wives. My son grew up watching me as a childminder and he now works within a nursery group called Kids Allowed. He has never felt the odd one out being a man in the profession and parents are always happy to see him with their children."

"I let the children take more carefully planned risks than Sarah – I let them roll and run when maybe Sarah would call them back. We talked about risk and risk benefit when I first started working full time and we have different views – maybe because I have two boys who have always loved being active and physical. I enjoy being outside with the children – we do sand or water play every day, play football, make muddy puddles or find worms – I take picnics on our outings and we can disappear for hours. Sarah is probably more likely to plan indoor play and reads books, sings songs, plays with puppets etc. The children love having a male role model and parents of children who don't have a male at home have said they really like how both of us work differently with their children."

MOST POPULAR

"It's very important to have a male role model in a childcare environment. There is nothing wrong with an all-female setting of course, but a man brings a different perspective to children's play and learning. Men are different with children – I am generalising here but they tend to be more adventurous and ready to 'get stuck in'. They are perhaps more relaxed as well. We complement each other – while one of us is reading stories the other might be painting or playing football in the garden. Yes, the roles can be slightly stereotypical but that's fine because the children are getting the best from both of us. Parents have often said they are happy that there's a man here – especially single parents or those without a stable male figure at home."

Rick's story

A childminder for four years, Rick graduated from City University in London with a Master's degree in Civil Engineering. Having spent eight years as a civil engineer, he wanted to make a change. When his wife returned back to work part-time in September 2011, Rick decided to leave his job and spend two days a week caring for his son and two more days a week – for one term – volunteering at Southdown Junior School in Bath.In January 2012 he become a full-time carer for his son and noticed how children responded well to him at playgroups, convincing him to make that leap to full-time manny. Rick says:

"We are living in a more equal world and society. Jobs that used to be perceived as male or female orientated are no longer and anyone can do any job no matter what their sex, race or religion. I have been fortunate to be accepted by everyone I have discussed my career with – I have been judged on my ability rather than my sex."

"Generally I don't feel there is much difference between a male or female childcare provider. In terms of looking after and educating the children, we all have to follow the same rules; we all do similar activities and go to similar places. I do tend to prefer physical play, such as soft play and walks in the woods rather than craft; perhaps that is a result of being a male rather than female childcare provider."

"It's vitally important that children have male role models in their life, particularly one-parent families were the child does not have regular contact with the father. I have had enquiries from single mums specifically looking for a male role model for their child."

For more information, or to find trusted childcare near you, click here.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.